Social and Cultural Outings

*A fun, social Friday night without the bar scene.* Warm up your weekend with easy, high-energy board and card games designed to get everyone talking. ✅ Easy to learn, no experience needed! ✅ Curated word, party and social games ✅ **Featured titles:** **Codenames**, **Exploding Kittens,** **Hues & Cues & Herd Mentality** ✅ Join a game, get to know someone and let the good times roll! 7.30pm - 8pm: Arrival + Dinner (optional) 8pm - 10pm: Game Night! **🎫 Entry: $15/pax** Select a complimentary welcome treat: \> **FREE** **1\*Noodle Set**, or \> **FREE 2\*Canned Drinks** 🏠 **Venue: The Noodle Place** 15A Circular Road (2nd Floor) Nearest MRT: Clark Quay / Raffles Place 🙏 **Please Whatsapp 8337-0678 to confirm your attendance** so we can reserve a slot for you and keep you updated of any changes. Thanks! \>\>\>\>\> By signing up for the event, you agree to the following: 🪑 Be mindful of your RSVP! Update 4 hours prior to the event if something else comes up and you can’t attend so someone else can join the fun! 📸 Photos will be taken during the event for publicity purposes. Please sound out if uncomfortable. 🚫 No soliciting, MLM, investment pitches or harassment. Let's keep it friendly! No outside food please! For inclusivity, gameplay will be in English and may be less accessible if you’re not fluent. **‼️ No refunds for sudden unavailability. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be provided promptly.** For more information, please feel free to whatsapp 8337-0678

**[CONFIRMED TRIP]** **Sungai Yong 7 Tiers Waterfall Leisure Hike + Water Adventure** **📅 9 May 2026 (Sat)** **⏰ Time: 6:15AM – 10:00PM** **📲 INTERESTED? SLOTS AVAILABLE!** **WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred) or RSVP:** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313066518/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313066518/) **🌿 Sungai Yong Waterfall Adventure** **Sungai Yong is a relatively unknown river located 18km east of Kluang, Johor.** **Because it remains off the typical tourist path, the river is still clean, natural, and un-spoilt.** **✨ The highlight:** **\* 7 large waterfalls** **\* 20+ smaller cascades** **Perfect for:** **Swimming 🏊‍♂️** **Leisure hiking 🚶‍♂️** **Relaxing in nature 🌿** **Life jackets will provide for safety💡** **⭐ Why Join This Event?** **✔ Beginner-friendly trail** **✔ 4x4 transport to campsite** **✔ Short 1.5km leisure hike** **✔ Cooling waterfall experience** **✔ Multiple waterfalls to explore** **✔ Swim, relax & enjoy nature** **✔Escape the city and dive into nature’s hidden waterfalls! 🌿** **📌 Event Details** **💰 Cost:** **\* $150 per person** **\* $140 per person (group of 4 or more)** **💳 Payment Details** **📲 PayNow to: UEN 201727764C** **(Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd)** **🏦 Or Bank Transfer:** **DBS Current Account: 0029069789** **📩 After payment, please text 94884478** **📝TA License No: 03066** **TA Name: Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd** **INCLUDES:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* 4X4 Transport \* Life Jacket \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Dinner is only included if group-size is 10 or more **EXCLUDES:** Personal Insurance Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary **To Connect With Us:** Webpage: [https://www.wilfredtravel.org/](https://www.wilfredtravel.org/) Whatapps Channel: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l) Telegram Channel: [https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg](https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar](https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar) **Suggested Itinerary:** •**Saturday(D)** 615am-Gather at Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 620am-Depart Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 7am-Depart JB Custom 815am-Stopover for Quick Breakfast/Pack Lunch 930am-Arrive & preparation 1030am-Take 4 wheel drive to Trailhead 11am-Briefing and commence hike 4pm-Back to meeting point 5pm- Rest & Relax at Kluang Town 630pm-Group Dinner 730pm-Depart to JB Custom 930pm: JB Custom 10pm: Marsiling MRT **DISCLAIMER, INDEMNITY AND TERMS OF PARTICIPATION:** **\-\-\-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS\-\-\-** PLEASE READ THIS LINK FOR T&Cs BEFORE YOU RSVP: [https://www.wilfredtravel.org/terms-and-conditions](https://www.wilfredtravel.org/terms-and-conditions) **\*BY PARTICIPANTION, I HAVE READ, AGREED & ACCEPTED TERM & CONDITION:\*** **❈THIS TOUR IS ORGANIZED BY:** **TA NAME: WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **TA License No: 03066**

**⛰️[CONFIRMED] Gunung Berembun @ 1014m +** **WWII Plane Crashed Site Historical Hikes** **📅 Date: 8–9 May 2026 (Fri–Sat)** **🌟 EVENT DETAILS** **Promo Price: $133/person** **(Registration closes on 6 May 2026, 5pm)** **💰Usual Price: $160/person** **�� INTERESTED?** **�� WhatsApp: 94884478 (Wilfred)** **�� Sign up here:** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313369723/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313369723/) **📍 HIKE OVERVIEW** 🏔️ A unique highlight of this hike is the World War II crashed bomber site, located about 1 hour from the summit. **🥾 HIKE DETAILS** Altitude: 1014m / 3,326 ft Elevation Gain: \~624m ± Distance: 5km (one way) / 10km (return) Duration: 8–12 hours (include rest & photo) Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10) **🌿 TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS** 🌊 Lata Berembun – Waterfall, first checkpoint & campsite ⛺ Gua Kambing – Campsite with water source & rock shelter 🏔️ Summit Push – Steeper ascent towards the peak ✈️ WWII Crash Site – Historical aircraft wreck location 🌺 Expect beautiful wildflowers, tropical plants & birdlife along the trail. 💳 PAYMENT Please PayNow $XXX / person to: UEN: 201727764C Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd OR Bank Transfer to: DBS Current Account: 0029069789 📲 After payment, WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred) with screenshot receipt **TA License No 03066** **TA NAME: WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **To Connect With Us:** **Telegram Channel: [https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg](https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg)** **Whatapps Channel:** **[https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l)** **Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar](https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar)** **◾INCLUDE:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Dinner is only included if group-size is 10 or more **◾EXCLUDE:** -Personal Insurance -Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary **Suggested Itinerary:** (Friday) 1000pm -Meet Maxi-Cash next to Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 1005pm -Depart to Woodland Custom (Sat)(D) 11pm-Depart JB Custom 2am-Rest Area Wash-up, Breakfast & Pack Lunch 4am - Briefing commence hike 7am Lata Berembun 9am CP1 Gua Kambing, rehat & Last Waterpoint (LWP) 11am Puncak Gunung Berembun 1pm Air crash site 230pm Summit Gunung Berembun 330pm Gua Kambing (Cave) 430pm Lata berembun 6pm-Rest Area Washup 7pm-Dinner 10pm-JB Custom 11pm-Marsiling MRT **Disclaimer, Indemnity and Terms of Participation:** The participant acknowledges that this is an adventure trip. The itinerary serves as a guide only and changes may be required. All participants are strongly advised to have travel insurance. The participant agrees to assume all risks and indemnifies the organizers against all claims, disputes.

**[CONFIRMED TRIP]** **GUNUNG ANGSI HIKE @ 825m via Bukit Putus Trail** **8-9 May 2026 (Fri–Sat)** **🌟 EVENT DETAILS** **Promo Price: $125/person** **(Registration closes on 6 May 2026, 5pm)** **💰Usual Price: $140/person** **📲 INTERESTED? MESSAGE NOW!** **👉 WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred)** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/314315651/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/314315651/) Gunung Angsi is one of Malaysia's relatively minor mountains with a height of 824m. It ranks 241st of Malaysia's highest mountains and it is the 3rd highest peak in Negeri Sembilan state. **🌿 Great for beginner & casual hikers** **📸 Scenic jungle trails & viewpoints** **💪 Perfect training hike for higher peaks** **🚐 Weekend adventure escape from city life** **🥾 HIKE DETAILS** ✔ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Beginner Friendly) ✔ Altitude: 825m ✔ Elevation Gain: \~900m ✔ Distance: 4km \(one way\) \| 8km return ✔ Duration: 6–8 hours (including breaks & photos) ✔ Fitness Level: 4/10 **PAYMENT:** Please Paynow $XXX/person to UEN 201727764C Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte or Bank Transfer to DBS Current Account 0029069789 and Text 94884478 with Print-screen Receipt **🏢 TA License No: 03066** **🏷️ WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **INCLUDES:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Lunch is only included if group-size is 10 or more **EXCLUDES:** \* Personal Insurance \* Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary include massage etc \* Lunch is at own cost if group-size is less than 10 persons **Suggested Itinerary:** **(Fri Night)** 1130pm-Marsiling MRT **(Saturday), Lunch** 4am-Stop over at highway toilet washup & breakfast 530am-Briefing/Start to trek 9am-Angsi Peak Rest & Having Packed Breakfast 930am- Descend to starting point 1130am-Meeting Point 12pm- Wash-up & Change at R&R 1pm- Lunch 2pm- Shopping & Relax@ Seremban 4pm- Depart to JB Custom 8pm- JB Custom 10pm- Marsiling MRT **Disclaimer, Indemnity and Terms of Participation:** The participant acknowledges that this is an adventure trip. The itinerary serves as a guide only and changes may be required. All participants are strongly advised to have travel insurance. The participant agrees to assume all risks and indemnifies the organizers against all claims, disputes.

**\*If interested, please whatsapp** [wa.me/+6588842635](wa.me/+6588842635) **or +65 8884 2635! Sign-ups *are only confirmed after contacting us and joining the WA group! \**** Gunung Panti (531m) is one of the most popular and famous hikes in Malaysia due to its distance from Singapore (1+h) being at Kota Tinggi. It is often used as a training mountain for most Singaporeans. There are a few different trails to Panti summit, this time we will do one of the Trans Panti route via Panti Timur, which is a different route up and down the summit versus the beginner route. While we will still go past the steep vertical wall face near the summit, there are other unique checkpoints like the 'Transformer' rock, 'red blood pool' and the 'human face rock'. While not as short as the normal Panti route, it is definitely more interesting and serves as a good almost full-day hike, similar to other training hikes or longer duration hikes like Lambak Butterfly/Trans Angsi etc, enough for you to work out a sweat and feel like you need good food to replace all the calories you've burnt =) **Who is this for?** * It is most suitable for those who wish to experience a hike that's decently challenging yet isn't too long or tough like Ophir, but longer than the other 'beginner' hikes * Suitable for those who have done Panti but wish to explore the other routes * For those who wish not to take an overnight bus * A decent Malaysia hike with its various elements (forest, mud, logs, vertical wall face, leeches(?)) * It serves as a good training or progressive hike * If you wish for a bit of thrill in using your hands and legs to climb down either the ladders or rock wall **Hike Details** Summit: 531m Total Distance: 13km Duration: \~6-9h Elevation Gain: \~707m **How many pax for the trip to happen?** Minimum **12 pax** to start the trip! **Estimated Itinerary: (Saturday**) \~5.30 am : Meet @ Marsiling MRT 6.30 am : Breakfast/Head straight to start point 8.00 am : Start Hike 12.00 pm : Panti Summit 4:00 pm : Descend back to the base, wash up. 5.00 pm : Leave and head to R&R 5.00 pm – 8.30pm : Free & Easy if there's time, if not head back to Singapore. ***Itinerary is subject to changes based on conditions and group speed and trek leader's discretion*** Price: $140 Price includes: 2-ways Transport All associated Park Permits/ Fees Local Guides LMT Trek Leader Price excludes: Travel Insurance All Personal expenses/Meals Visa Application (if any) Other personal expenses This event is organized by LITTLE MONSTERS TRAVEL PTE LTD Travel Agent Licence No: 03117 Contact : +65 88842635 Email: info@littlemonsterstravel.net

Join us on Friday evening for a casual dining session with like-minded friends. Seat rotations will ensure everyone gets to mingle and interact with different participants throughout the event. 🎂 **Age range for this event:** \* Ladies: 1983 to 1991, with a slight extension to 1992 and 1993. \* Gentlemen: 1981 to 1989. For gentlemen who are 1-2 years below or above the range, you may apply for waitlist. If seats are available, we will consider your application. 🔗 For event description and more details, refer to: **[https://www.oneplusone.com.sg/upevents.html#mingle](https://www.oneplusone.com.sg/upevents.html#mingle)** 📍Venue: **a restaurant or food outlet in town and near MRT**. It may not be halal. Disclosed only to confirmed applicants. 🕖 Meet-up time: **7pm**. Session is until around 9pm or earlier. Cost: **$10** (admin fees only). Require prepayment of this admin fee. Dinner will be at own expense, with spending requirements from $8-$10 for meal. It's a casual and affordable spot. ✅\* *Please bring your Singpass mobile app for quick on-site verification that your marital status is Single (open app > View all > Family > Marital status). As a genuine organiser, we put in reasonable effort to check that attendees are single. If your status is unverified, the Contact List will reflect "Unverified" next to your name*. 📋\* Only verified singles who attend the entire session will receive the Contact List, which includes the names of the opposite gender. Applicants can voluntarily add any of their contact details (e.g. email, telegram, IG) to that list if they wish to. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📝 **How to apply:** 1. Event is only for Singles who are S'poreans, PRs, EP & S-Pass holders. 2. To apply, RSVP in this Meetup page & we will follow up with you. You may also apply via the link above. 3. If you are shortlisted, we will directly request you to make payment. ❓If you have questions, please contact Jerald at 90170885 or [Lim.Jerald@gmail.com](http://Lim.Jerald@gmail.com)

Meet: Upper Thomson MRT Control Station When: Sunday 10th May - 2:30 pm\* Difficulty: Moderate (uneven terrain, forested area) \*\*\*This is a 12km BRISK WALK (4km/h) from Upper Thomson to Beauty World via the MacRitchie Reservoir. **This HIKE is not suitable for beginners!** **Only join if you are fit, and able to brisk walk @ 4km/h over uneven terrain.** \*\*\* \*Please note the starting time. We will walk mainly in the forested areas, so there is a lot of shade from the heat. We will need at least 3 hours for the walk. We start early as the Treetop bridge closes by 4:30 pm. \*\*This is a Rain or Shine event. Please take a good lunch or bring along some snacks if you feel hungry along the way. Our walks are usually between 8 - 12 km long. Just so you know, the weather may be hot but as the sun sets, the weather should be cooler. Please be punctual. You are encouraged to be slightly early to avoid disappointments. There will be 5 minutes grace for attendance taking. Please remember that we cannot wait because this would be unfair to those already present. We will walk from Macritchite Park to the Treetop Walk and onwards to Beauty World via Rifle Range Park. This walk will be of moderate difficulty as there will be a fair amount of climbing and uneven terrain. The TreeTop Walk is a 250m-long freestanding suspension bridge between the two highest points in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie), and the first of its kind in Singapore. From the suspension bridge, you may delight in a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy and spot different wildlife in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the verdant greenery of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the placid waters of Upper Peirce Reservoir. Dinner will be at Beauty World. See you there! :-) References: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/-/media/nparks-real-content/gardens-parks-and-nature/diy-walk/diy-walk-pdf-files/treetop_walk_eguide_lres.pdf What to bring: \- Shades \- umbrellas \- Water \- Good walking shoes \- Long pants preferred \- Mosquito Repellent Event communication will be through the event chat. Please check the event chat on the day of the event so that you will be updated on any changes. Please keep in mind that I may not respond to messages sent after the walk starts because I will be busy helping the attendees and leading the walk. Please be sure to RSVP responsibly to help those who are on the waitlist get the chance to come for the walks. ***You should confirm your RSVPs the day before the event to allow those on the waitlist time to schedule for the event.*** Thank you for your kind understanding. Disclaimer: Your physical well-being is your responsibility. Exercise care while you walk. Please let me know when you feel unwell and need to drop out. Walking comes with a risk of personal injury. ***By joining the walk, you accept responsibility for your safety and join the walk at your own risk. The organizer(s) will not be responsible or held liable for any accidents or injuries during or arising from the event.***

## 🚶‍♂️ 415pm – Start Walking (CRITICAL) You must **start by 415pm latest** to catch sunset at jetty. *** ## 🌇 430pm – 530pm (Golden Hour City Walk) Route: * Gardens → Marina Bay → Helix Bridge → ECP connector **Pacing:** relaxed but steady **Goal:** reach ECP before sunset window *** 📍 Bedok Jetty * Ideal arrival: **\~6pm–630pm** * Sunset: \~630pm **What to do:** * Pause here (don’t rush past this moment) * Group photos + free time * Let people soak in the experience *** ## 🌊 630pm – 7pm (Post-Sunset Coastal Walk) * Slow, relaxed pace * Conversations flow naturally * Sky still glowing (afterglow effect) *** ## 🍜 7pm – 8pm (Dinner Block) 📍 East Coast Lagoon Food Village * Strongly encourage people to join * Sit in small groups (6–8 pax for bonding) *** ## 🚶‍♂️ 8pm – 830pm (Final Short Walk) * Walk toward Bayshore MRT * Easy 15–20 min cooldown walk *** ## 🚇830pm – End 📍 Bayshore MRT Clean, satisfying finish ✅ *** # 📏 Distance & pacing reality check * Total distance: **\~8–9km** * Total walking time: \~2.5–3 hours (with stops) * Suitable for beginners **if pace is controlled**

**Who we are?** Listening Hearts is a safe and caring space where people can pause, reflect, and share life’s journey together. We believe every heart longs for meaning, connection, and encouragement. Through workshops and conversations, we explore topics that matter — from everyday challenges to deeper questions about life and faith — in a way that is open to both Christians and seekers. **Why Join?** Life can be overwhelming at times. This workshop offers a safe and supportive environment where you can: \- Share your story \(only if you wish\) \- Learn simple tools to cope with stress and challenges \- Receive encouragement and practical support \- Connect with others who care **Who is this for?** \- Anyone seeking encouragement\, healing\, or practical coping tools\. \- Open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs\. **What to Expect?** \- Respectful\, inclusive space \- No pressure to share beyond your comfort level \- Gentle activities\, practical takeaways\, and supportive conversations

Wake up to a fun-filled Saturday morning of board games at Tampines Mart! Whether you're a seasoned board gamer or new to the world of tabletop games, this space is perfect for everyone. Bring your favorite games or try out the ones provided by our welcoming group of board game enthusiasts. Meet new friends, strategize your next move, and enjoy a casual and social gaming experience in the heart of Tampines. Don't miss out on this opportunity to bond over board games and make memories that will last a lifetime. See you soon!

🏝 Ultimate Frisbee for a great cause 🏝 Where: Sentosa (Palawan Beach next to Splash Tribe, see location pin) Signup: https://because.fit/sessions/603 Fee: $10 (donation for Children of the Mekong) Age: 18+ (we ask you to sign a liability waiver) Note that we mostly use WhatsApp to organise these events, so if not many people sign up here it doesn't mean the event is not happening! After the games those interested can have dinner at the Food Trucks next to Splash Tribe. And some of us will likely have an afterparty at one of the beach clubs nearby (i.e. Sandbar). 💌 100% of your money goes to the good causes we support. This year we are supporting the Samrong Education Centre in Cambodia through Children of the Mekong. The goal is to raise SGD 16k which allows 14 kids to receive a full year of accommodation, food & education: \- https://www\.childrenofthemekong\.org/projects/samrong\-education\-centre/ \- https://www\.youtube\.com/watch?v=37EDRBCBFT8 💌 Our website: https://because.fit/

## 🐺 Werewolf Relaunch Night ## $12 Special (Up to 5 Hours) Join us for an exciting **Werewolf** **(狼人杀)** game night in **Ang Mo Kio 宏茂桥!** Whether you're a seasoned player or completely new, this is the perfect opportunity to socialize, strategize, and experience real-life social deduction at its best. *** ### 💰 Entry Fee: $12 Includes 1 drink + light snacks 🍪 Additional $2/- per hour, for every extension. ### 🕒 Duration: Up to 5 Hours Game begins on time arrive early to secure your seat. *** ### 🔥 What to Expect ✅ Dedicated Game Moderator (New players welcome!) ✅ High-energy social deduction gameplay ✅ Intense discussions, bluffing & mind games ✅ A great place to meet new friends Ideal gameplay experience: 9–12 players per table. *** ### 📍 Location Good Speed Game Cafe 710A Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, #02-2625 3 mins walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station Located above 24-hour Scarlett Supermarket *** ### 📲 Stay Updated Join our Telegram group for seat confirmation & **latest** **updates**: [https://t.me/goodspeedgamecafe](https://t.me/goodspeedgamecafe) *** ### 🎥 New to Werewolf? Chinese version: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu_JeVdjOTM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu_JeVdjOTM) English version: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVyzwrDO1vw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVyzwrDO1vw)

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Kittie's Worthington](https://kittiescakes.com/)!

Columbus Super Foodies **we love food, drinks, and hangout time, right**? 🍔🔥🍻 Let’s join Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection for their first **BYOB** **Cookout** & **Bonfire** **Party of 2026** this Saturday, May 9th at Shadybowl Speedway. Free camping. Sleep or sober up in your car! Do not drink and drive under the influence! **You can arrive anytime,** but this is definitely a full-day, full-night **experience** if you want to enjoy it all. **2:30 PM — Adult Field Day** Field-day-inspired games like tug of war, dodgeball, and other fun challenges. No athletic experience needed, and there is no pressure to participate. **4:30 PM — Cookout** There will be a communal grill available, plus plug-ins for crockpots, Instant Pots, roasters, etc. Please **bring something to share** and use the **signup link** so everyone can see what’s being brought. **sign up link** https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday **Around 7:30–8:00 PM** — Stock Car Racing We’ll head into the track to watch some wild, action-packed racing. If you’ve never been to a race, or think racing isn’t your thing — come for the beer, stay for the wrecks. 🤣 **Shadybowl is BYOB.** No glass. Cash only. **Race admission is $15 cash only.** After the races, **around 11:30 PM,** we’ll kick off the bonfire party with **music**, **cornhole**, and stargazing. You can even **sing karaoke** if you want. Bring: * **A chair** * **BYOB**, no glass * Cash for race admission * S**omething to share** for the cookout please **use sign up link** https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday **I would bring pants, hoody or jacket, and a case or gallon of water for yourself** If you find value in these events, please consider making a contribution using the contribution link in the comments. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. 🔥

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!